Neck protector

ABSTRACT

A neck protector for use with headgear in protecting the user&#39;s back or dorsal region of the neck from injury. An envelope is formed with a plurality of first chambers that are arranged sequentially to form a layer of a series of lengthwise pockets. A second layer of chambers are arranged and attached to the first layer of chambers to overlap the partitions of the first layer of chambers. A substantially rigid, curved member is contained in each of the chambers in both layers. A padded material is preferably permanently attached to each of the rigid, curved members on the side facing the neck of the individual when in use. The envelope also has means for attachment to existing protective headgear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to body protection equipment,and more particularly to an apparatus to protect the neck of anindividual from injury.

[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0004] Various forms of headgear exist for protection, primarily of thecranial area for individuals in dangerous situations, such as military,law enforcement, corrections and civil disturbance control. Most ofthese headgear arc in the form of helmets, which may be manufactured todetailed specifications, depending to the intended application. Forexample, the U.S. military specifies a PASGT helmet for ground troops.This helmet is designed to provide ballistic and fragmentationprotection with Kevlar® ballistic Aramid cloth construction and layeredand bonded impregnated resin. Accessories for this and other helmets areavailable, including helmet covers, straps for attaching facial shieldsand padding for use in parachuting. In addition, specific accessoriesare available to protect the facial area, such as goggles and faceshields. However, there are relatively few satisfactory accessories toprotect the back or dorsal region of an individual's neck. The dorsalregion, or back, of the neck contains numerous vital tissues, forexample the spinal cord. In civil disturbances, rocks and flammableliquids, such as gasoline, are commonly thrown. In correctionsenvironments, stabbing is a common occurrence as detainees have provento be particularly resourceful in fabricating weapons from seeminglyharmless starting materials.

[0005] In two currently available garments, described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,797,140 and 6,195,802, a ballistic resistant vest contains a foldableballistic panel or collar that can be extended over the individual'sneck. Although the panels provide ballistic resistance, they do notprovide resistance from other injury such as flaming liquid. Inaddition, it is relatively easy for a knife or other stabbing device tobe inserted above the panel thereby gaining access to the neck.

[0006] Currently available protection devices may provide ballisticprotection, or general non-ballistic protection for most vital parts ofthe body. However, there is no currently available device that protectsthe back or dorsal region of the neck from blunt force trauma, that isfire-retardant, and that is constructed to provide a seamlessimpenetrable barrier against stabbing, or flammable liquid for example,while at the same time remaining comfortable and adjustable for a widerange of users and neck positions. With currently available devices theback or dorsal region of the neck may be a particularly vulnerable areaof an otherwise potentially well protected person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One object of the invention is to provide a device that protectsthe back of the neck against injury from any outside agency. In oneembodiment of the invention the device is flexible so that it allowsnormal range of motion while still providing a continuous barrier to theposterior of the neck.

[0008] It is also another object of the invention to provide protectionagainst corrosive, flammable or burning liquids, as well as protectionagainst blunt force trauma and stabbing. In addition, the deviceattaches conveniently and securely to the back of a helmet without anygaps or passages where either a liquid substance or solid object couldpenetrate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the protective device of the inventioncomprises a cloth support structure with two layers of overlappingchambers that are horizontally oriented. In each chamber, a plate isinserted. In a preferred embodiment, the plates are curved toapproximate the curve of the back of the helmet to which the device isattached. In addition, the plates are preferably shaped and configuredso that their widths are narrow toward their interior regions andgradually taper to wider widths near their ends. Plates are alsopreferably padded on the surface next to the neck. The chambers hold theplates in an overlapping configuration, so that the plates in the outerlayer cover the gaps between the plates in the inner layer. Once theplates are installed, the ends of the chambers are sealed.

[0010] Also in another preferred embodiment, the protective device isattached to the rear edge a helmet in a manner that maintains theprotector in a secure and sealed relationship with the helmet, so thatliquid or objects cannot penetrate between the helmet and the neckprotector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0011] The objects, advantages and features of this invention will bemore clearly perceived from the following detailed description, whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the relative position of the twosets of chambers constructed in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the relative placement of theplates to be mounted in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the neck protector in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention using hook and loop connectors asmeans for attaching the neck protector to headgear;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a representation of a preferred shape of thesubstantially rigid members of FIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a side view of the protective device of anotherembodiment of the invention wherein no envelope is provided;

[0017]FIG. 6a is a side view showing attachment of the protective deviceof one embodiment of the invention to the back of a helmet with a hookand loop fastener strip on the outside of the helmet;

[0018]FIG. 6b is a side view showing attachment of the protective deviceof one embodiment of the invention to the back of a helmet with a hookand loop fastener strip on the inside of the helmet;

[0019]FIG. 6c is a side view showing attachment of the protective deviceof an embodiment of the invention to the back of a helmet with a strapon the outside of the helmet;

[0020]FIG. 6d is a side view showing attachment of the protective deviceof an embodiment of the invention to the back of a helmet with snaps;

[0021]FIG. 6e is a side view showing attachment of the protective deviceof an embodiment of the invention to the back of a helmet with a clip;and

[0022]FIG. 6f is a side view showing attachment of the protective deviceof an embodiment of the invention to the back of a helmet with bolts orrivets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention relates to safety gear, specifically,posterior neck protection which is selectively attachable to existingheadgear. Various embodiments of the invention employ at least twolayers of elongated rigid members or plates, which are overlapped orlayered to allow flexible movement, while providing continuous coverageat each joint. The objects and advantages of the invention are toprovide protection for the user's posterior neck from forceful blowsfrom blunt objects, burns from caustic chemicals or flammable fluids, aswell as penetration from sharp, stabbing instruments. The inventionprovides protection to the user by covering what is believed to be themost vulnerable area for a person, namely, the back of the neck betweena helmet and body protective gear.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention has an envelope made of a tightlywoven or nonporous material. Equally spaced parallel seams are sewn intothe fabric. A second envelope is formed with seams equally spaced tothose of the first envelope, but offset preferably by one-half the widthof the seam relative to the seams of the first envelope. As used herein,the term “staggered” refers to where the seams are offset so that theydo not directly overlap in the first and second rows of chambers. Thefirst and second rows of chambers share one common wall. In thoseapplications where protection against flame or fire is desired, apreferred embodiment of the protective device of the present inventionwill have an envelope that is flame retardant. The envelope will be madeof cloth having flame retardant fiber therein. In a further preferredembodiment, this cloth will be completely made from flame retardantfiber. This material is also preferably tightly woven, thereby providingless chance for absorbance of a flammable liquid. A particular examplefor a material satisfying these functional requirements is a cloth soldby E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, under the trademark Nomex. Inthose applications where fire is not a concern or threat, any clothmaterial may be used.

[0025] The neck protector of an embodiment of the invention ispreferably formed with curved, elongated, rigid strips or plates ofmaterial such as metal, hard plastics, rawhide, or any other materialknown in the art to serve a supporting function. The plates may also bemade of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or puncture resistant man-made fiber.The plates are slightly smaller than the spaces created by the seams ofthe envelope to allow for flexible wear by the user. The plates may bemolded to approximate the shape of the neck and they may be somewhatflexible to allow additional user comfort. The plates are inserted intothe envelopes so that the invention takes on the shape of a planarcurve.

[0026] In preferred embodiments, the curved plates that are closest tothe neck of the user are attached to, or lined with, a padded material.The padding may be attached by means well known to those skilled in theart, including for example, contact adhesive. The material is alsopreferably flame retardant and resistant to fluid absorption. Suchmaterials may include closed cell thermoplastic foam or flame retardantfelt enclosed in a liquid impervious pouch. The padding is attached tothe interior surface of the curved plates, and placed on theinterior-most surface in relation with the user's head to provide shockabsorption from forceful blows to the user's neck.

[0027] The invention is equipped with a means of attachment to existingheadgear. Means of attachment can include hook and loop fastener strips,snaps, clips, clamps, buckles, glue, brackets, straps, bolts, or anyother method of attachment known in the art. In a preferred means ofattachment, the neck protector will be secured to the headgear such thatit remains secured throughout a wide range of neck motions and vigorousactivity, while also providing no gaps between the neck protector andthe headgear where liquids or objects could otherwise penetrate.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the invention may be made withoutan envelope by adhering strips of fabric to a face of the rigid plates.The attachment could be performed by any number of methods currentlyknown in the art such as seams, staples, adhesives, tacks, screws, amongothers.

[0029] Referring now to the drawing and more particularly to FIG. 1, apreferred embodiment of an envelope in accordance with the invention isshown, wherein first set of chambers 1 and second set of chambers 2share common wall 3. The planar curved shape 4 of the envelope isimposed by rigid members contained within the chambers (not shown inthis figure). Pockets 5, of the first set of chambers are relativelysmaller than pockets 6 of the second set of chambers 2. The sizedifference is to allow for padding on the surface of the plates that arenearest to the user's neck. The means for attachment 7 is shown as aflap of material, which is wound around an existing helmet strap (seeFIG. 6c).

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a preferredembodiment of the substantially rigid members or plates 8, are shown inrelative placement as outer and inner sets of plates along a commonplanar curve. The plates are preferably about 10 inches in length.However, any suitable length is contemplated herein, so long at itapproximately covers the neck of a particular individual. In addition,the plates are preferably about 1 mm to about 5 mm thick. The plates arealso preferably made of a plastic material with relatively high heatdistortion temperature and low flammability.

[0031] Padding 9 on the interior surfaces of the inner set of plates isshown to be substantially thicker than that of the rigid membersthemselves. It is contemplated herein that in one embodiment, padding 9is not present. The padding is however present in a preferredembodiment. Padding 9 may also be on the interior surface of all theinner set of plates if desired. The padding is preferably flameretardant, resistant to the penetration or absorption of liquids, and isabout ¼ inch thick. Plates 8 are shown in an overlapping configurationso that the gaps in one layer or set are covered by the plates in theother layer. This may be referred to as an “armadillo effect” because asthe invention expands or contracts, there is always at least one platelayer over the entire surface, so that no gap is exposed.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a flattenedenvelope is shown wherein hook and loop fastener strips 10 are used asthe means to attach the device to an existing helmet. These strips canbe sewn or otherwise attached to the envelope itself.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, a front view of the preferred shape of aplate 11 is shown. The basic shape of the plate is wider at either endthan at the mid-section. This shape allows more comfortable wearing ofthe device. For example, when the neck is extended backward, the shapeof the plates described herein allows greater range of motion. Thisimproves the wearability of the device in that greater range of neckmotion is achieved while reducing the chance that stress on theattachment means will cause the device to come off the headgear, orcause the helmet to come off the user's head.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 6a to 6 f, a side view of an existinghelmet employing various methods of attachment of the invention isshown. FIGS. 6a and 6 b demonstrate the use of hook and loop fastenerstrip 12 attached to the interior or exterior of the helmet. FIG. 6cdemonstrates a strap and clip method of attachment. Strap 13 closelyencircles the circumference of the helmet. Flap 7 of neck protector islooped over strap 13 and secured to itself by glue, hook and loopfasteners, clips, rivets, thread or any other method known to secure oneitem to another. To counter the tension on the strap, clips 14 arepositioned near the front and on the sides of the helmet. The clipsassure that strap 13 does not slip off the helmet when the weight of theneck protector is supported by the strap. It is also possible that theneck protector can be coupled to the strap of a face shield converter,which is mounted to the helmet. FIG. 6d demonstrates how snaps 15 may beused to attach the neck protective device to a helmet. FIG. 6e shows apartial view of how counter set of channel elements 16 may be used toquickly attach and detach the protective device to a helmet. An upwardlyfacing channel is permanently attached to the helmet and a downwardfacing channel on the protective device removably secures it to thehelmet. FIG. 6f demonstrates that the protective device may bepermanently attached to a helmet by means of rivets or bolts 17, forexample.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, a side view of another alternateembodiment is shown wherein no envelope is required. A “T” or “Y shapedflexible material 19 is used to provide a continuous barrier of liquidprotection. In this embodiment, plates 22 and 24 themselves provide amajority of the protection from various elements. Flexible material 19is permanently attached to the plates using attachment means 20. Theattachment means can be any suitable means, for example, glue. One endof the flexible material is adhered to a plate face, the other two endsare adhered to two adjoining plate sides. This arrangement provides thedesired flexibility to the protection device, while at the same timeproviding a continuous impenetrable barrier.

[0036] While the present invention has been illustrated and described bymeans of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that numerouschanges and modifications can be made therein without departing from thescope of the claims and equivalents thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use with headgear in protectingthe back of the neck from injury, the apparatus comprising: an envelopecomprising: a first layer of a plurality of elongated chambers laterallypositioned adjacent to one another; and a second layer of a plurality ofelongated chambers positioned laterally adjacent to one another, whereinsaid second layer is positioned parallel to said first layer in astaggered fashion; a first set of substantially rigid members, eachcontained within one the chambers of said first layer; a second set ofsubstantially rigid members, each contained within one of the chambersof said second layer; and a means for attachment of the apparatus to theheadgear.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, said envelope is made offire resistant material.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said fireresistant material is also resistant to penetration or absorption ofliquids.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said material is a clothmade of flame retardant fiber.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidsecond set of substantially rigid members have padding on one sidethereof.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said padding isapproximately ¼ inch thick, is flame retardant and is resistant to thepenetration or absorption of liquids.
 7. An apparatus for use withheadgear in protecting the back of the neck from injury, the apparatuscomprising: an envelope comprising: a first layer of a plurality ofelongated chambers positioned adjacent to one another; a second layer ofa plurality of elongated chambers positioned adjacent to one another,said second layer being attached substantially parallel to said firstlayer in a staggered fashion; a first set of substantially rigidmembers, each contained within one of the chambers of the first layer; asecond set of substantially rigid members, each contained within one ofthe chambers of the second layer, said second set of members beingpadded on one side thereof; and a means for attachment of said envelopeto the headgear.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, saidsubstantially rigid members are approximately 1 mm to 5 mm thick andapproximately 10 inches long.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, saidsubstantially rigid members are curved lengthwise.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein, said envelope is fire resistant and resistant topenetration or absorption of liquids
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein said envelope is selected from the group consisting of a clothmade of flame retardant fiber, and any substantially equivalent clothknown in the art.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, said padding ismade of flame retardant closed cell thermoplastic foam.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein, said padding is made of flame retardantfelt and enclosed in a liquid-impervious pouch to minimize absorbency.14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, said substantially rigidhorizontal members are made of a plastic material with relatively highheat distortion temperature and low flammability.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein said members are selected from the group consisting ofpolycarbonate thermoplastic and any substantially equivalent materialknown in the art.
 16. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, saidsubstantially rigid horizontal members are metal.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein, said substantially rigid horizontal members are madefrom a composite material selected from the group consisting offiberglass, carbon fiber, and puncture resistant man-made fiber.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein, said substantially rigid horizontalmembers are made of rawhide.
 19. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein saidmeans for secure attachment is selected from the group consisting ofhook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, clamps, buckles, glue, brackets,straps and bolts.
 20. An apparatus for use with headgear in protectingthe back of the neck from injury, the apparatus comprising: a firstlayer of substantially rigid members, laterally positioned adjacent toone another; a second layer of substantially rigid members, laterallypositioned adjacent to one another, wherein said second layer ispositioned parallel to said first layer in a staggered fashion; aflexible material connecting adjacent rigid members of said second layerwith the staggered rigid members of said first layer; and means forattachment of the apparatus to the headgear, wherein a continuousflexible impenetrable barrier is formed, thereby protecting the back ofthe neck from injury.